Alex Maskara
Thoughts, Stories, Imagination of Filipino American Alex Maskara
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January 18, 2025
2 Corinthians 5:21–6:2
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
6 As God’s co-workers, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.”[b]
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
I woke up this Saturday morning feeling delighted—it’s the weekend, a time to lounge around the house without any pressing work. Then it hit me: I don’t have pressing work on most days anymore. I’m about 90% retired now.
It’s funny how habits linger. You may physically leave them behind, but the mind takes its time to catch up. I still feel that weekend joy, even though my days are practically free. Humans are creatures of habit, bound by rhythms and routines that resist change.
But I’ve learned to manage these mental habits, thanks to the Lord. Today, I’ve decided to have a calm but productive day. Without intention, idleness often leads me down unproductive or even harmful paths. I’ve noticed this pattern in myself: when I feel a void, I’m tempted to fill it with distractions, some of which stem from old habits. For example, wandering aimlessly, seeking fleeting pleasures, or revisiting places tied to past choices. These are remnants of an older, less disciplined version of myself.
Thankfully, I avoided the more destructive habits some others have succumbed to—drugs, alcohol, or complete self-abandonment. I’ve seen so many fall into these traps. Take Jennifer, a stroke victim I met who clung to an abusive drug addict. Or the older woman who, after losing her husband, spiraled into self-destruction rather than rebuilding her life. I’ve met women who traded dignity for survival, entrapped by men who exploited their vulnerabilities. Witnessing these stories reminds me how easily one can slip into darkness without the Lord’s guidance.
I am deeply grateful to God for helping me navigate these challenges. My fear of the Lord, my responsibilities, and prayer have been my anchors. Yet, I still find myself wrestling with remnants of old temptations, habits, and the emptiness that leads so many astray. There’s a universal truth here: we all seek fulfillment. For most, this comes from family, community, or pursuing life’s goals. But for those of us on the fringes—isolated, idle, or lonely—the pull of temptation can be strong.
Humans are driven by pleasure, though not always in the same way. Some are drawn to noble causes—charity, community service, or creative pursuits. Others, like me, must work harder to channel our energies into meaningful activities. I want to emulate those who find fulfillment in intellectual or creative endeavors: writers, artists, thinkers, and scientists. These individuals are so absorbed in their work that fleeting pleasures hold no appeal.
To protect myself from idleness and distraction, I need structure. I imagine a “mini-dystopian” environment, where everyone is focused on personal goals, free from distractions. Such a setting would keep me accountable, just as my work and studies did years ago. Back then, I was too busy for temptations, though the pace was exhausting.
The challenge lies in recreating that sense of purpose now. I need clear, realistic goals—tasks that bring fulfillment and joy. My ideal day would include walking in nature, reading intellectually stimulating books, and revisiting programming languages I learned long ago. I also want to finish my blogs, fiction, and health articles.
What I want to avoid are the traps of modern idleness: endless internet scrolling, aimless driving, or unproductive social interactions. Distractions are everywhere, and it takes discipline to resist them. The environment plays a critical role. A focused setting—like a gym, writing class, or accelerated academic course—can inspire productivity. On the flip side, being surrounded by idle or aimless individuals can be detrimental.
A free society allows individuals to pursue their own paths, but it can also breed distraction. To succeed, I must pretend I live in a disciplined, goal-oriented society. In such a place, everyone works toward something meaningful, and there’s no room for aimless wandering or indulgence. I thrive in structured environments where goals are clear, distractions are minimized, and focus is paramount.
Unfortunately, finding such an environment in my current life is difficult. Libraries, gyms, and other public spaces often come with distractions. And modern conveniences, like the internet and streaming services, are ever-present temptations. Still, I believe with the Lord’s guidance, self-discipline, and intentional planning, I can create an environment that fosters growth, purpose, and fulfillment.
2025-01-18 18:45:41
popong
January 14, 2025
Genesis 5:21-24
21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24 Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
Yesterday, I fulfilled my goal of walking in the quiet park. I usually jog or walk, but I didn’t notice a branch hanging overhead and hit it, causing my right leg to suddenly bend at the knee. Bam! That old sharp knee pain followed. This morning, I’m still walking very slowly, but thankfully, the pain is subsiding.
I probably should stick to walking, especially when entering a nature preserve. There are hanging branches, uneven terrains, stones, grass, and other obstacles. Natural preserves usually lack paved paths.
It’s interesting how today’s message aligns with my situation. The passage talks about walking faithfully, which feels appropriate as I work on maintaining or even improving my health through diet and lifestyle changes. At this stage of life, health is my priority. There are no more responsibilities, whims, vices, or hormonal drives costing me money and physical well-being. All I need is consistency in my current efforts and, with God’s blessing, perhaps I’ll enjoy a few more decades.
It’s amazing how a biblical passage can resonate with real-life events. Hurting my knee while jogging seems like a nudge to focus on walking instead. It’s no big adjustment—my jogging is barely faster than my walking pace anyway. Sometimes I’m tempted to speed up, but now that my knee is sensitive even to minor provocations, I know I need to be more careful.
I’ve also started managing my internet and social media usage more effectively. I’ve come to terms with the fact that my posts aren’t as engaging as those of people who take social media seriously. Instead, I’m rediscovering an old but cherished hobby: blogging. Writing blogs, articles, and stories aligns with the skills I’ve developed over the years. Social media feels like a distraction—a fleeting diversion that doesn’t bring a meaningful audience. Nor do I intend to showcase my aged self to gain subscribers; that feels egotistical, narcissistic, and hedonistic.
I’ve started to embrace my reality: my relative insignificance to the wider world. And I’m fine with that. I no longer expect much from others or feel the need to meet their expectations. Right now, I share what I enjoy seeing, record those moments, and post them briefly. Afterward, I return to my books and ideas, finding joy in reading and writing. That is my current source of fulfillment.
Writing and meditating have saved me from so much. Without these personal pursuits, I don’t know where I’d be. I’ve tried other avenues for self-fulfillment, but most options don’t suit my solitary lifestyle. Friendships have come and gone; travel feels lonely; charity work has been unpredictable, often heartbreaking. And at my age, with diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, vices only hasten demise. Rekindling family relationships isn’t as feasible, as most of my siblings, like me, are nearing the end of life. Community participation only stirs paranoia in me.
So, I focus on what brings me peace: meditation, exercise, and intellectual work. Occasionally, I help people like Steve and Jim. Steve is battling drug addiction, while Jim, though in recovery, remains on shaky ground. I pray they both find stability before I’m gone. Steve is working toward rehab placement, and I stay in this house partly to ensure Jim stays sober. His ex-wife, a troubling influence, sometimes tries to pull him back into their old destructive lifestyle. I hope Jim can resist her for his sake and for her three children’s future.
This sense of responsibility feels like a purpose God has given me, even if I didn’t realize it at first. I’ve spent my life being needed, and when my own time of helplessness comes, I pray the Lord will be there for me as well.
In this season of retirement, I reflect deeply on my life. In my youth, poverty and struggles pushed me to work hard. I succeeded in improving my life and helped rebuild my family financially. Once they stabilized, I turned to rebuilding my own life, seeking fulfillment. That journey brought me here, with the realization that my life is not separate from the billions who have lived, struggled, and passed unnoticed. Embracing that truth makes life simpler to accept.
I find peace in pursuing what brings me joy—reading, writing, and meditation. These activities have been my saving grace. They’ve kept me grounded, creative, and resilient, even in isolation. For as long as I can, I’ll cherish them, trusting that they align with the purpose God has set for me.
In the end, all I can do is walk faithfully with Him, just as Enoch did.
2025-01-16 12:41:46
popong
Popong 18 / Avoiding Distraction
January 18, 2025
2 Corinthians 5:21–6:2
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
6 As God’s co-workers, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.”[b]
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
I woke up this Saturday morning feeling delighted—it’s the weekend, a time to lounge around the house without any pressing work. Then it hit me: I don’t have pressing work on most days anymore. I’m about 90% retired now.
It’s funny how habits linger. You may physically leave them behind, but the mind takes its time to catch up. I still feel that weekend joy, even though my days are practically free. Humans are creatures of habit, bound by rhythms and routines that resist change.
But I’ve learned to manage these mental habits, thanks to the Lord. Today, I’ve decided to have a calm but productive day. Without intention, idleness often leads me down unproductive or even harmful paths. I’ve noticed this pattern in myself: when I feel a void, I’m tempted to fill it with distractions, some of which stem from old habits. For example, wandering aimlessly, seeking fleeting pleasures, or revisiting places tied to past choices. These are remnants of an older, less disciplined version of myself.
Thankfully, I avoided the more destructive habits some others have succumbed to—drugs, alcohol, or complete self-abandonment. I’ve seen so many fall into these traps. Take Jennifer, a stroke victim I met who clung to an abusive drug addict. Or the older woman who, after losing her husband, spiraled into self-destruction rather than rebuilding her life. I’ve met women who traded dignity for survival, entrapped by men who exploited their vulnerabilities. Witnessing these stories reminds me how easily one can slip into darkness without the Lord’s guidance.
I am deeply grateful to God for helping me navigate these challenges. My fear of the Lord, my responsibilities, and prayer have been my anchors. Yet, I still find myself wrestling with remnants of old temptations, habits, and the emptiness that leads so many astray. There’s a universal truth here: we all seek fulfillment. For most, this comes from family, community, or pursuing life’s goals. But for those of us on the fringes—isolated, idle, or lonely—the pull of temptation can be strong.
Humans are driven by pleasure, though not always in the same way. Some are drawn to noble causes—charity, community service, or creative pursuits. Others, like me, must work harder to channel our energies into meaningful activities. I want to emulate those who find fulfillment in intellectual or creative endeavors: writers, artists, thinkers, and scientists. These individuals are so absorbed in their work that fleeting pleasures hold no appeal.
To protect myself from idleness and distraction, I need structure. I imagine a “mini-dystopian” environment, where everyone is focused on personal goals, free from distractions. Such a setting would keep me accountable, just as my work and studies did years ago. Back then, I was too busy for temptations, though the pace was exhausting.
The challenge lies in recreating that sense of purpose now. I need clear, realistic goals—tasks that bring fulfillment and joy. My ideal day would include walking in nature, reading intellectually stimulating books, and revisiting programming languages I learned long ago. I also want to finish my blogs, fiction, and health articles.
What I want to avoid are the traps of modern idleness: endless internet scrolling, aimless driving, or unproductive social interactions. Distractions are everywhere, and it takes discipline to resist them. The environment plays a critical role. A focused setting—like a gym, writing class, or accelerated academic course—can inspire productivity. On the flip side, being surrounded by idle or aimless individuals can be detrimental.
A free society allows individuals to pursue their own paths, but it can also breed distraction. To succeed, I must pretend I live in a disciplined, goal-oriented society. In such a place, everyone works toward something meaningful, and there’s no room for aimless wandering or indulgence. I thrive in structured environments where goals are clear, distractions are minimized, and focus is paramount.
Unfortunately, finding such an environment in my current life is difficult. Libraries, gyms, and other public spaces often come with distractions. And modern conveniences, like the internet and streaming services, are ever-present temptations. Still, I believe with the Lord’s guidance, self-discipline, and intentional planning, I can create an environment that fosters growth, purpose, and fulfillment.
2025-01-18 18:45:41
popong
Popong 17 / Enoch
January 14, 2025
Genesis 5:21-24
21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24 Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
Yesterday, I fulfilled my goal of walking in the quiet park. I usually jog or walk, but I didn’t notice a branch hanging overhead and hit it, causing my right leg to suddenly bend at the knee. Bam! That old sharp knee pain followed. This morning, I’m still walking very slowly, but thankfully, the pain is subsiding.
I probably should stick to walking, especially when entering a nature preserve. There are hanging branches, uneven terrains, stones, grass, and other obstacles. Natural preserves usually lack paved paths.
It’s interesting how today’s message aligns with my situation. The passage talks about walking faithfully, which feels appropriate as I work on maintaining or even improving my health through diet and lifestyle changes. At this stage of life, health is my priority. There are no more responsibilities, whims, vices, or hormonal drives costing me money and physical well-being. All I need is consistency in my current efforts and, with God’s blessing, perhaps I’ll enjoy a few more decades.
It’s amazing how a biblical passage can resonate with real-life events. Hurting my knee while jogging seems like a nudge to focus on walking instead. It’s no big adjustment—my jogging is barely faster than my walking pace anyway. Sometimes I’m tempted to speed up, but now that my knee is sensitive even to minor provocations, I know I need to be more careful.
I’ve also started managing my internet and social media usage more effectively. I’ve come to terms with the fact that my posts aren’t as engaging as those of people who take social media seriously. Instead, I’m rediscovering an old but cherished hobby: blogging. Writing blogs, articles, and stories aligns with the skills I’ve developed over the years. Social media feels like a distraction—a fleeting diversion that doesn’t bring a meaningful audience. Nor do I intend to showcase my aged self to gain subscribers; that feels egotistical, narcissistic, and hedonistic.
I’ve started to embrace my reality: my relative insignificance to the wider world. And I’m fine with that. I no longer expect much from others or feel the need to meet their expectations. Right now, I share what I enjoy seeing, record those moments, and post them briefly. Afterward, I return to my books and ideas, finding joy in reading and writing. That is my current source of fulfillment.
Writing and meditating have saved me from so much. Without these personal pursuits, I don’t know where I’d be. I’ve tried other avenues for self-fulfillment, but most options don’t suit my solitary lifestyle. Friendships have come and gone; travel feels lonely; charity work has been unpredictable, often heartbreaking. And at my age, with diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, vices only hasten demise. Rekindling family relationships isn’t as feasible, as most of my siblings, like me, are nearing the end of life. Community participation only stirs paranoia in me.
So, I focus on what brings me peace: meditation, exercise, and intellectual work. Occasionally, I help people like Steve and Jim. Steve is battling drug addiction, while Jim, though in recovery, remains on shaky ground. I pray they both find stability before I’m gone. Steve is working toward rehab placement, and I stay in this house partly to ensure Jim stays sober. His ex-wife, a troubling influence, sometimes tries to pull him back into their old destructive lifestyle. I hope Jim can resist her for his sake and for her three children’s future.
This sense of responsibility feels like a purpose God has given me, even if I didn’t realize it at first. I’ve spent my life being needed, and when my own time of helplessness comes, I pray the Lord will be there for me as well.
In this season of retirement, I reflect deeply on my life. In my youth, poverty and struggles pushed me to work hard. I succeeded in improving my life and helped rebuild my family financially. Once they stabilized, I turned to rebuilding my own life, seeking fulfillment. That journey brought me here, with the realization that my life is not separate from the billions who have lived, struggled, and passed unnoticed. Embracing that truth makes life simpler to accept.
I find peace in pursuing what brings me joy—reading, writing, and meditation. These activities have been my saving grace. They’ve kept me grounded, creative, and resilient, even in isolation. For as long as I can, I’ll cherish them, trusting that they align with the purpose God has set for me.
In the end, all I can do is walk faithfully with Him, just as Enoch did.
2025-01-16 12:41:46
popong